What would be the effect of isolating enemy forces in a conflict?

Isolating enemy forces in a conflict leads to decreased operational effectiveness for several reasons. When enemy units are cut off from their reinforcements, supplies, and communication with higher command or other battalions, their ability to function as an effective fighting unit diminishes significantly. This isolation hampers their access to critical resources such as ammunition, food, medical supplies, and essential fuel, which are necessary for sustaining military operations.

Moreover, isolation can lead to the disintegration of morale within the isolated forces, resulting in increased instances of surrender or combat ineffectiveness. As they become more vulnerable and cut off from support, the psychological impact on troops can further reduce their will to fight, diminishing their overall capabilities.

By contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that would counteract the isolating strategy. Increased enemy morale would indicate that isolation is having a lesser effect than intended, while improved supply lines and territorial expansion suggest that the enemy is gaining strength and resources rather than losing them. Thus, the most logical consequence of isolating enemy forces is indeed the decrease in their operational effectiveness.